China and Taiwan are locked in a fresh dispute over the legality of Chinese coast guard patrols east of the island following Taipei’s claims of merchant vessels being “harassed” near its territorial waters.
China, which considers Taiwan its breakaway territory, was angered after Japan and the Philippines said last month they would start formal talks on their maritime boundaries, viewing that as involving waters off Taiwan.
On Saturday, Chinese media reported that ships had been sent to carry out a “special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation” in the waters east of Taiwan in response to the announcement by Japan and the Philippines.
Taipei later claimed these Chinese vessels were “harassing” commercial shipping by demanding information about their origin and destination, effectively asserting jurisdiction near the island’s territorial waters.
Taiwan’s foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, condemned these actions, saying on Wednesday that China was “using so-called ‘law enforcement’ as a pretext to pursue expansion”.
“The Chinese communists have no right to intervene in matters concerning the waters east of Taiwan, whether they involve Taiwan’s sovereignty or jurisdiction,” he added.
Mr Lin further characterised China as a “trouble-maker that is damaging the status quo”.
Beijing maintains that its actions are entirely legitimate.
Zhang Han, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, asserted that “the relevant mainland authorities’ law-enforcement patrols in the relevant waters are a just act to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests”.
She confirmed that the Chinese coast guard was conducting “law-enforcement patrols” in accordance with the law and that Beijing intended to strengthen its control over these waters.
Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, insisting that only the Taiwanese people can determine their future.
Beijing, which does not recognise any claims of sovereignty by Taiwan’s government, previously rejected offers of dialogue from president Lai Ching-te, whom it labelled a “separatist”.
